(a) Write a balanced equation for the reaction of potassium metal with water.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products: Potassium (K) reacts with water (H2O) to form potassium hydroxide (KOH) and hydrogen gas (H2).
2. Write the unbalanced chemical equation: K + H2O -> KOH + H2.
3. Balance the equation by adjusting coefficients to ensure the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation.
4. Start by balancing the potassium atoms: Place a coefficient of 2 in front of K and KOH to balance potassium.
5. Balance the hydrogen and oxygen atoms: Adjust the coefficient of H2O to ensure the number of hydrogen and oxygen atoms are equal on both sides.

Key Concepts

Chemical Reactions

A chemical reaction involves the transformation of reactants into products through the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. In this context, the reaction between potassium metal and water is a type of single displacement reaction, where potassium displaces hydrogen from water, leading to the formation of potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing a chemical equation ensures that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation, adhering to the law of conservation of mass. This process involves adjusting coefficients in front of the chemical formulas to achieve equal numbers of each type of atom, which is crucial for accurately representing the reaction.

Reactivity of Alkali Metals

Alkali metals, such as potassium, are highly reactive, especially with water. When potassium reacts with water, it produces potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, often resulting in an exothermic reaction that can ignite the hydrogen gas. Understanding the reactivity of these metals is essential for predicting the products and safety measures during the reaction.